Enlarged Uterus

Enlarged uterus is a very common occurrence in women approaching menopause. As the name suggests enlarged uterus refers to the enlargement of the uterus. Any uterus larger than its normal size can be termed as enlarged uterus. As women grow older, the shape and size of their uterus changes.

But if there is an abnormal change in the size or shape or if this change is resulting in pain then it could relate to enlarged uterus. An enlarged uterus could indicate various other problems too.

As women age, they are susceptible to various reproductive system disorders. Enlargement of the uterus is identified as one such problem in aging women. Enlargement of the uterus happens either during the childbearing age or beyond.

When the uterus enlarges, the abdomen bloats and the enlarged abdomen is clearly visible to the naked eye. In a few cases, the abdomen might not grow in size but the problem can be felt within.

Enlarged uterus causes and symptoms

Fibroids: Fibroids is one of the common causes of enlarged uterus, they are called uterine fibroids. Research points out that 40 - 45% of women suffer from uterine fibroids at some point in life. Fibroids are non-cancerous growth in the woman's uterus. They are a common occurrence during the childbearing age. Fibroids can show up either inside, outside or even within the uterus wall. Fibroids may develop as a single tumor or may be present in groups. The size of the fibroids varies from that of a pea to a melon.

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
  
• Pain during sexual intercourse
  
• Frequent urge to urinate
  
• Pain in the pelvis
  
• Abdominal pain or pressure and lower backache
  
• Constipation
  

If the uterine fibroid is small and causes no discomfort then it need not be removed.

Ovarian cysts: Cysts in the ovary can cause enlarged uterus. Ovarian cyst is quite common amongst women. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs present either within or on the surface of the ovary. Ovarian cysts are generally benign in nature and cause minimal or nil discomfort.

• Backache
  
• Painful menstruation and abnormal bleeding
  
• Pain in the abdomen
  
• Difficulty in passing urine
  
• Breast tenderness
  

Ovarian cysts generally tend to disappear on their own, but in few cases they can lead to complications like enlarged uterus.

Cancer: Uterine cancer is common in aging women after the onset of menopause. Cancer commonly occurs in the lining of the uterus, the endometrium. This condition leads to enlargement of the uterus.

• Bleeding from the vagina after attaining menopause or in between menstruation
  
  
• Pain during intercourse
  
  
• Difficulty in urination
  
  

Cervical cancer can also cause uterus enlargement.

Molar pregnancy: Molar pregnancy can also cause enlarged uterus. Molar pregnancy refers to the abnormal development of the fetal tissue; this could lead to abnormal enlargement of the uterus. The uterine enlargement is much more when compared to normal pregnancy.

Adenomyosis: This condition can cause uterus enlargement. The tissue lining the uterus starts growing within the uterine muscular wall; this condition is termed as adenomyosis. It is common in women aged over 30 and is usually very painful.

• Menstrual cramps
  
• Passing blood clots during menstruation
  
• Heavy bleeding during periods
  
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
  

Menopause: Menopause in women can also lead to enlargement of the uterus

Enlarged uterus symptoms

Common symptoms of enlarged uterus include:

• Severe pain in the lower abdominal region, the pressure exerted by the enlarging uterus on the bladder causes this pain.
  
  
• Urinary incontinence
  
  
• Abnormal Menstruation – prolonged menstrual bleeding also known as menorrhagia, is a common symptom relating to enlarged uterus. Irregular menstruation, passing blood clots, heavy menstrual flow, blood discharge in between menstruations are also reported.
  
  
• Sudden anemia due to excessive blood loss
  
  
• Reproductive problems - Enlarged uterus is closely associated with infertility, miscarriages, premature delivery, etc.
  
  
• Sudden weight gain - Sudden weight gain, particularly in the waist region is another symptom that women having enlarged uterus complain of. The hormonal changes in the body induce weight gain.
  
  
• Headache and migraine are other symptoms of enlarged uterus.
  
  
• Flatulence
  
  
• Excessive bloating
  
  

Severe abdominal pain and bladder incontinence could also be indicative of other disease conditions. It is advisable to check with the physician on the symptoms and signs.

Enlarged uterus diagnosis

To diagnose and confirm enlarged uterus, the physician might perform the following tests:

• Physical examination of the pelvic region
  
• X-rays
  
• Endometrial biopsy
  
• Blood tests
  

Enlarged uterus treatment

Based on the diagnosis, the physician will decide on the course of the treatment. Treatment includes:

• Hormonal therapy
  
• Medications
  
• Surgical examination
  
• Total or partial hysterectomy
  

Symptoms of enlarged uterus should not be overlooked. Remember, if detected early enlarged uterus can be treated successfully.

Enlarged uterus fibroids

Fibroids developing in the uterus can enlarge the uterus. The enlargement could either be severe or not as severe depending on the size and location of the fibroid. Few women have a distended abdomen similar to pre-menstrual bloating while yet others have bloated abdomens similar to pregnant women. Enlarged uterus is normally related to fibroids.

Fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are common in women during their reproductive years. In the United States, fibroids are cited as the main reason for hysterectomy in women. In general fibroids do not pose any serious threat but might develop into one if left unattended.

Intramural fibroid is a type of uterine fibroid that leads to enlarged uterus. It starts developing as a small nodule on the muscular wall of the uterus. As it grows, the tumor expands inward and causes deformation and enlargement of the uterine cavity. Fibroids enlarge the uterus and can at times be felt in the lower abdomen as hard lumps.

• Pressure on the adjoining pelvic structure, like bowel, bladder, etc
  
• Urinary incontinence due to pressure exerted by the fibroid on the bladder
  
• Difficulty in bowel movements
  
• Backache
  
• Heavy or painful menstruation
  
• Abdominal bloating
  
• Abdominal discomfort
  

• In severe cases hysterectomy i.e. removal of the uterus is performed.
  
  
• In a few cases the fibroid alone is removed through a procedure called myomectomy
  
  

• Uterine fibroid embolization - Blood supply to the fibroid is cut off through the procedures, this causes the fibroid to die and shrink. Uterine artery embolization is not useful in treating large fibroids. Women who wish to become pregnant in the future should not take up this procedure.
  
  
• Medications
  
  

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